Victorian Prattware Bear's Grease pot lid “Alas Poor Bruin”

Back in the days when R&D in cosmetics was in its early infancy, there was only one cure that everyone could agree on as a surefire cure for baldness. Naturally, only grease from the finest brown bears in Europe would do. Since medieval times, the doctrine of signatures clearly indicated the miraculous properties of bears’ grease; the hairier the creature, the better the fat would encourage hair growth even on the most barren of scalps. In particular, Russian and Canadian bears were considered the most desirable.

And thus the entrepreneurial nature of England’s finest chemists burgeoned, leading to the creation of these beautifully designed little pots which were intended to keep this magic bear potion safe.

This particular Prattware pot lid pattern is known as “Alas! Poor Bruin” and depicts children from a “School For Boys” throwing snowballs at a bear being taken to The Bear Inn. This piece dates to the 1860s and the print is in excellent condition with fine colours. During the 19th century, these underglaze pots with decorated lids were usually manufactured in Staffordshire, such as in Pratt of Fenton’s case.
A collectable and desirable little piece.

Price marked at $440AUD.
Dimensions: 7.5cm pot lid diameter.
Condition: Some crazing as pictured, as well light wear and sone small fleabite chips to base commensurate with age. Very good considering general wear of these pot lids. Original price label to interior from many years back; this has been left as provenance.